Manchester City secured a 1-0 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road, reducing the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal to two points. Antoine Semenyo scored the decisive goal in first-half stoppage time. Leeds manager Daniel Farke was sent off after the match for protesting the referee's decisions.
Manchester City claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win against Leeds United in the Premier League on February 28, 2026, at Elland Road. The result moved Pep Guardiola's side within two points of table-toppers Arsenal, who had extended their lead to five points following a 4-1 win over Tottenham earlier in the week.
Leeds started strongly, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin missing a clear chance in the fifth minute after a cross from Brendon Aaronson. Calvert-Lewin fired another effort across the goal face, and James Justin drew a save from Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. As the first half wore on, Leeds' intensity waned, and Karl Darlow made a stunning save to deny Nico O’Reilly’s header.
The breakthrough came in stoppage time when Rayan Cherki played a precise pass to Rayan Ait-Nouri on the left flank. Ait-Nouri crossed low for Antoine Semenyo, who slotted home from close range. After the interval, City managed the game professionally, though Darlow produced another fine save to keep out Marc Guehi’s header. Leeds' late chance came when Jaka Bijol headed wide from a corner.
Post-match tensions flared, with Leeds boss Daniel Farke receiving a red card for a tirade at referee Peter Bankes. The defeat leaves Leeds six points above the relegation zone, despite their unbeaten run in the last four matches across all competitions.
Erling Haaland was absent for City due to injury, with Rayan Cherki starting in attack alongside Semenyo and Omar Marmoush. Leeds fielded an unchanged lineup from their previous draw against Aston Villa.
